Alexey (VAL channel) is a popular Russian YouTube creator and auto mechanic. He created the eponymous channel «VAL channel», which amassed a massive following thanks to his unorthodox approach to restoring older automobiles (particularly Soviet Volga cars), technical teardowns, and trademark post-ironic humor. The creator prefers to remain anonymous and keeps his face hidden.
Monetizes content (via streams, ads, subscriptions, merchandise sales, or music platforms) and, in accordance with applicable laws, pays taxes to the budget of the Russian Federation.
Any engagement with this content — views, likes, donations, merchandise purchases, or streams — indirectly contributes to financing the Russian economy and, consequently, the war against Ukraine.
VAL channel's Stance on the War in Ukraine
Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, on March 5, 2022, Alexey released a video titled «BMW 535 CABRIOLET in the New World,» in which he spoke out against events in his distinctive style.
Alexey touched directly upon the war and state repression in Russia:
Right now it is very difficult to shoot videos or make jokes about detached topics, and I extend my deepest sympathies to everyone affected by this. If you are about to write ‘stay out of politics’, you can simply fuck right off. This isn't politics, and I'm not interfering anywhere. As you can see, I'm already sitting on a bottle. There is zero desire to shoot videos right now. And practically no resources left. For now, I don't know how I will get out of this situation or if I even will. [...] I hope something changes for the better. Take care of yourselves.
During a rough DIY repair job «using shit and sticks,» the creator parodied official government rhetoric about dispensing with Western technology:
Look, we can easily survive without their handouts and technology! Almost anything can be fixed with roofing screws and perforated strapping tape. <...> Sure, the self-tapping screws are Chinese, but in the absolute worst case we'll learn to make them ourselves... The only thing is, our roofing screws will probably require a flathead screwdriver. That, of course, will suck.
The video also contains an allegorical sequence that can be read as a metaphor for territorial annexation. A protagonist armed with an assault rifle forcefully seizes two bricks from someone else's building and repurposes them for his own convenience. Because of the compromised structure, the house catches fire, and upon escaping, the protagonist carelessly discards both bricks.
Critique of Russia and the Russian Authorities
On March 30, 2022, at the end of the video «V8 into the Trunk — The First Non-Departure!», the blogger briefly diverged from his automotive topic and explained why he sees no reason to be proud of modern Russia:
I never managed to be proud of our auto industry, nor of the standard of living. <...> Taking pride in laws that don't even allow you to defend your own home and family didn't work out either... Being proud of the fact that our country has plenty of timber and oil is kind of foolish—that isn't our accomplishment... Understand, I was searching for tangible, real reasons for pride, not mythical submarines, ‘Armata’ tanks, past achievements of long-gone chemists and physicists, or military might... I want very much to be proud of Russia, and I am far more of a patriot than people with Z stickers plastered over foreign cars. But you know, I simply can't grasp how I could possibly do that under the current regime.
Posts on Telegram
In September 2022, Alexey sarcastically commented on Russia's «partial mobilization,» calling it «mogilization» («graveyard-ization»).
Alexey also expressed strong disdain toward the Russian oil corporation Lukoil for blatant Z-propaganda.
What the Blogger Thinks About May 9
Alexey characterized Victory Day as a «day of mourning,» detailing why for him it is no occasion for military jingoism and celebratory slogans:
Conclusion
The creator's channels are officially registered with Roskomnadzor. At the same time, Alexey resides in Russia, where outspoken public criticism of the war carries severe legal consequences. While he avoids explicit political declarations or naming specific parties to avoid criminal prosecution, his overarching stance is unmistakable: he consistently critiques the Russian authorities, derides state propaganda, and ridicules mobilization and militarism, maintaining a clear anti-war orientation.
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